Joel Lamy

Stunned parents are set for a magical Christmas as festive cheer came early to Whittlesey last Sunday (2 December).

A fayre was held to raise money for baby Cody Stanier who is one this month and has what is believed to be unique chromosome abnormalities which makes him unable to sit unaided.

Whittlesey Christmas Market at the Ivy Leaf Club. Lynn and Don Hull on their stall at the market EMN-141130-184331009

Having already raised £814 from an online auction and been donated a car and special car seat, the fayre at the Falcon Hotel in London Street raised another £615 after visits from Santa and Olaf from Frozen.

The chairman of Whittlesey Round Table, Paul Rickett-Brown, also presented a cheque for £600 of which £400 was from Susan Taylor who had collected the money at her late husband Neville’s funeral and wanted the money to go to a local good cause.

Part of that money also came from Roger Brown who asked for donations at his 70th birthday party instead of presents.

Whittlesey couple James Stanier and Kelly Stanier with their daughter Ella (7) and son Cody (11 months). Pictured with them are Darren and Kerry Smith from T and T with Eddy and Annette Hemmaway from Edan EMN-141011-213635009

“We were not particularly looking forward to Christmas with many problems and stress, but we can now concentrate on being a family.”

Family friend Anna Foster said: “It’s so humbling to see the community come together and support such a worthy cause. The family have been left speechless with everyone’s generosity.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/gd6rqs. A signed shirt from ice-hockey team Peterborough Phantoms is being auctioned at www.facebook.com/groups/1542412005996337/

Also on Sunday, 50 traders set up at the Ivy Leaf Club for the first ever Christmas Crafts Market in the town.

Around 1000 people visited the event and left carrying a selection of Christmas gifts, jewellery, crafted wood and holly wreaths.